Have you tried Pasta Zero (otherwise known as shirataki noodles) yet? If you haven’t and you are a pasta lover who is watching your carbs, you are truly missing out. Pasta Zero is a pasta alternative made by Nasoya that is extremely low in both calories and carbohydrates. It is delicious and beyond easy to cook. While I have learned to prepare Pasta Zero in many different ways over the years, my favorite Pasta Zero recipe is hands down my signature Sesame Noodle & Veggie Stir Fry dish, which I am excited to share today. But first, the basics:

What is Nasoya Pasta Zero’s Ingredients?

Pasta Zero is a spaghetti shaped shirataki noodle made from the root of the konjac plant. Shirataki noodles have been a staple in Asian cooking for over 1,000 years. Pasta Zero’s ingredient list is super simple; the noodles only contain water, konjac flour, chickpea flour, potato starch and a preservative. Nothing else!

What is Nasoya Pasta Zero’s Nutritional Information?

The Konjac flour contains soluble fiber and significantly less calories (20 calories for a 2/3 cup serving) and carbohydrates (only 5 grams of total carbohydrates, 3 grams of dietary fiber and 0 grams of total sugars in one serving) compared to other pastas out there. Plus, Pasta Zero has no sodium and only 0.5 grams of fat per serving.

Pasta Zero’s packaging states that the shirataki pasta helps consumers feel fuller longer than other pasta options. And that is 100% true in my experience. Each Pasta Zero package contains two adult servings.

Besides being low calorie and low carb, shirataki noodles are keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, vegan and naturally gluten free.

What is the Texture and Taste Like?

What I love most about the Pasta Zero noodles is that the taste and texture is very similar to regular pasta. As the Pasta Zero packaging states, the shirataki noodles have a slightly firmer texture than wheat pastas.

Other low carb pasta options (like vegetable “zoodles”) do not really have a similar texture to or taste like traditional pasta. But more importantly, they likely won’t keep you full like Pasta Zero. And that can be a problem when you are craving pasta. With the right preparation of Pasta Zero and recipe, you won’t notice much of a difference compared to regular wheat or other pastas.

Where Can You Find Pasta Zero?

Pasta Zero is typically found in the refrigerated sections of many grocery stores nationwide and at Walmart. If you can’t find the Nasoya Pasta Zero brand, there are other shirataki noodle brands available in some supermarkets including the Miracle Noodles brand. Ask your local grocery store employees if they carry shirataki noodles. I bet they do!

What Do I Need to Do to Prepare Pasta Zero?

Follow the instructions on the package for starters. The most important steps are to drain the Pasta Zero noodles in a colander (when you open the package the noodles, you will notice quite a bit of liquid), rinse the drained noodles with cold water and let them dry for a few minutes in the colander before adding them to a recipe.

If you skip these steps, you will not have great results with your Pasta Zero recipes. And don’t worry about the “earthy” smell when you open the Pasta Zero package, it disappears completely when you rinse, drain and cook the noodles.

Ok Now That I Know the Details, Can You Give Me the Pasta Zero Recipe?

Absolutely, here it is:

Pasta Zero Sesame Noodle & Veggie Stir Fry Recipe

This Pasta Zero recipe feeds 2 people. Double the ingredients for 3 or more people.

Ingredients: What You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil
• One 8 ounce package of Pasta Zero Spaghetti (or another brand of shirataki noodles)
• 1/2 cup of Primal Kitchen Sesame Ginger dressing, plus 2 tablespoons for finishing
• 1/4 cup of coconut aminos
• An 8 ounce bag of frozen stir fry vegetables (a 16 ounce bag is pictured; I included half of the bag in the recipe)
• A handful or two of frozen shitake or other frozen mushrooms (optional)
• 1 medium shallot, diced
• 2 slices of a red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons of garlic powder (or seasoned to your liking if you prefer more or less garlic)
• A pinch or two of salt
• A handful of chopped pecans or any other nut (optional)
• Top with some uncooked scallions/onions (optional)

STEPS:

1. Drain, rinse and dry the Pasta Zero/shirataki noodles as described above and indicated on the package.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to medium or large frying pan. Use the medium heat settings on the stove throughout the entire process.
3. Add the diced shallots and onions to the oil. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the frozen stir fry vegetables and mushrooms to the frying pan. Saute for an additional 2-3 minutes – mixing regularly.
5. Pour in the 1/2 cup of the Primal Kitchen Sesame Ginger dressing and the 1/4 cup of the coconut aminos. Add the pinch of salt and the tablespoons of garlic to the pan. Mix everything together and cook for another 3 minutes.
6. When the vegetables all appear to be cooked, add the drained, rinsed and dried Pasta Zero noodles to the frying pan. Mix with the vegetables and sauce until all of the noodles are covered in the vegetables and sauce. Cook for 1 minute, while stirring.
7. Add the chopped nuts and the additional 2 tablespoons of the Primal Kitchen Sesame Ginger dressing. Cook for 1 minute, while stirring.
8. Remove from heat and serve. Top with scallions if you have them handy. (I did not add them this time but usually will add some for some extra crunch.)

The Bottom Line

This delicious recipe rivals traditional Asian stir fry recipes. The sesame ginger dressing, coconut aminos and garlic powder give this dish a tangy and rich flavor. The abundance of vegetables make this Pasta Zero recipe super healthy, vitamin-rich and filled with antioxidants. And the nuts (and scallions if you add them) give just the right crunch.

As an added bonus, from start to finish you can prepare and cook this dish in less than 20 minutes – with minimal mess to your kitchen. Plus, this dish will likely keep you full for hours while not impacting your waist line.

While this dish is currently vegetarian and vegan friendly as written above, you can also add chicken, beef tips or shrimp to add more protein and substance. Enjoy!